Forget You Not (Reclusive #2)

by Harloe Rae

  “It’s not permanent. At least not yet. It was time to cover up the emptiness though. I drew it earlier while thinking about us.” She pauses for a deep breath. “You have the other part.”

  I immediately search my arm and find the spot along my left wrist where she gave me the same stamp. A blob of blue ink creates half a heart with a portion of an arrow sticking out from one side. When I scan Lark’s tattoo again, realization clicks and my eyes get misty.

  My pulse races and has the monitor next to me beeping wildly, but nothing can distract me from Lark’s gesture. I bring our wrists together to make the design complete, like personalized puzzle pieces. The two halves form a full heart and the arrow acts like the connector between us. Separate it appears broken and wrong—the way my soul feels when she’s not around. When we’re linked, the meaning is clear. We belong together. Everything within me lights up like I’ve been set on fire, but these flames melt me into Lark forever. She did this for me. For us.

  Serenity replaces any lingering madness as I envision last night the way it was supposed to be. My mind races as I begin planning all over again, suddenly rejuvenated with unstoppable strength thrumming through my muscles. Just as those thoughts begin taking root, aggravation slithers up my bandaged torso because I’m stuck in this hospital for the time being. As if hearing my silent complaints, a knock sounds before a woman pokes her head in the room. The nurse pushes the door open before waiting any longer and scowls our way.

  What the hell is her issue?

  Her focus seems to lock on my bedmate as she walks into the room. “Mrs. Sworr, you shouldn’t be up there. You could cause serious damage.” The nurse reprimands but my mind is stuck on the title she gave Lark.

  “Oh my God,” Lark mutters while burying her face in my neck. “This is so embarrassing. Why does this keeps happening?” Her voice is practically a squeak and I’m chuckling at her blushing cheeks.

  When neither of us responds, the nurse pipes up again. “Clearly you’re feeling better, Mr. Sworr. I take it your wife is the best type of medicine. How’s your pain on a level from one to ten?” She questions from the bedside.

  My wife. I love the sound of that.

  I answer without taking my awestruck gaze off Lark. “I’m all good. A one or whatever is lowest. When can we leave?” Eagerness to complete my plans thrums through me like an electrical current, especially after hearing her addressed that way. My body burns like hell and I probably need something for the pain but my mind is occupied elsewhere for now.

  “Mrs. Sworr is free to go whenever she likes. You on the other hand are stuck here for at least twenty-four hours,” the nurse drones dryly.

  Frustration is bubbling back to the surface.

  “But I feel fine. Why do I have to stay?” I attempt to keep the growl out of my voice.

  The nurse rolls her eyes while checking my chart. “Mr. Sworr, you had surgery and were running an extremely high fever. Not to mention the significant blood loss. It’s hospital policy that you remain under a physician’s care for at least twenty-four hours after such procedures. I’m sure a doctor will be in shortly to explain everything further. I suggest keeping the bed to yourself until then.” She huffs before storming out.

  I can’t help but laugh at her retreating form. Lark isn’t going anywhere. “Hey, Sweetheart. She’s gone. Or should I call you Mrs. Sworr from now on?”

  She groans loudly, her breath tickling my sensitive skin. “I told them we were married so they’d let me see you. They said immediate family only, Rowen. I wouldn’t have done it otherwise.” A deeper flush blooms on her face.

  “I love it, Vix. A lot. Don’t be shy about wanting to be my wife. You know I’ve been asking you.” I can’t help teasing her, especially when she gets all bashful. “Doesn’t it have a nice ring to it?” Speaking of, that diamond better be in my pocket still. I’ll have to check with Linc when he gets here.

  Lark nudges me lightly. “Ask me right and we’ll see.” A beautiful smile tilts her luscious lips, which I gladly steal in a quick yet searing kiss.

  We break apart before it gets too heated. Seems like we’re in enough trouble here already.

  “Making me work for it. I get it, Vix. I’ll do right by you. Just wait and see.”

  “I have no doubt about it, Casper. You’re always surprising me,” she murmurs against my stubbled jaw.

  I find the arrow charm resting against her neck and shift it slightly, thinking back to the day she captured my heart all those years ago. “Sweetheart, I am so damn glad you gave me another chance. You’re the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

  A shuddering breath wheezes past her lips. “Thank you for bringing love back to my life, Casper. I’m more than happy to admit you’ve pierced my heart.”

  My hand roams up and down her back before settling on her hip. “So, will you stay with me? Right here?”

  “Me leaving is not even an option, Casper. You should know that.”

  My little vixen stealing my line from the night at her apartment causes my soul to overflow with gooey happiness.

  Everything is going to be just fine.

  Lark

  The last week has been tough but everything is finally getting back to normal. Rowen ended up spending two more nights at the hospital, which meant I stayed right there alongside him. He grumbled and groaned about being trapped in the sterile white room but I’d kiss his grumpy attitude away and snuggle deeper into his bulky embrace. When I’d hold our inked wrists together, a beaming smile would replace any hint of a scowl. Rowen really enjoyed our not-so-permanent tattoos, far more than I imagined and pure bliss squeezed my heart. The doctors told him there was nothing to complain about since his adoring wife was there, keeping him happy and occupied.

  That lie bit me in the ass more times than I could count. Rowen ate it up too, making sure to point it out each time one of the medical staff referred to me as Mrs. Sworr. I would smile and blush like my skin was on fire, while the butterflies wreaked havoc on my belly.

  Worst impulsive decision ever.

  Okay, not really. It did get me into Rowen’s room and allowed me to be with him constantly throughout his three-day stay. I enjoyed pretending to be his wife, probably too much, but it was easy to get whisked away in the fantasy. Once he was discharged, we took off without a backward glance but a pinch of disappointment hit me that our matrimonial farce was over. It evaporated almost immediately when Rowen asked me to be his stay-at-home nurse until he went back to work. I couldn’t agree fast enough.

  We’ve spent the last several days locked away from the world, sharing gentle kisses and soft touches. I’ve been testing out a lot of new recipes and am an expert at giving sponge baths. Rowen’s been learning how to lay back and let someone else take care of everything for a change. His parents have been stopping by daily and are staying in town though the weekend. We’ve enjoyed plenty of laughs, mostly at Rowen’s expense. Every moment has been great.

  Well, except the afternoon we drove to the police station to identify Rowen’s attacker. That sucked ass but they caught him and I gave him the finger through the mirrored glass. Immature but somehow rewarding, especially when Rowen enveloped me in a tight embrace and whispered how much he loved me. We shared a kiss and snuck back into our bubble of domesticated bliss.

  Going to work today was unavoidable, especially for me due to a mandatory staff meeting this afternoon. It was my turn to groan and grumble but my sweet boyfriend swatted me on the ass before telling me he’d make up for our brief separation later. Rowen was planning to stop by his office for a few hours and check on some contracts. He promised it wouldn’t be anything strenuous, just a few phone calls revolving around the partnership with that Brock guy from Texas.

  The hours have thankfully flown by and it’s almost quitting time. I used to be the last one to leave work, always consumed with paperwork and living for my job. Now, I can’t seem to get out of here fast enoug
h. As I’m packing up, my phone dings with a text notification.

  Speaking of my reason to get home quickly . . .

  Rowen: Change of plans, Vix. Meet me at the restaurant.

  Suspicion tickles my brain because we always ride together.

  Me: Why? I’m leaving work now. There’s plenty of time before we’re supposed to go.

  It takes a few minutes for him to respond, which only escalates the annoying curiosity poking at me. Why is he being strange?

  Rowen: Just because. I’m running behind schedule.

  Me: That doesn’t make any sense. It’s only 5 and we aren’t eating until 7.

  Rowen: Vix, trust me. Just meet me there.

  Urgh. Whatever.

  I wasn’t going to get into a texting battle with him. If Rowen wants to drive separate, we will. Rather than rushing home to an empty place, I spend an extra hour finishing up my daily notes and chatting with Willow. She brushes off my concern with Rowen and seems to think his behavior is totally normal. I’m not sure what’s wrong with everyone today.

  Is it Friday the 13th or something?

  The evening only gets weirder as I pull into Brack’s Box and find the parking lot completely empty. I try to call Rowen but get his voicemail. My finger jabs into the screen an excessive amount of times when asked to leave a message. I toss my phone away as frustration bubbles up my throat. Getting a drink—the stronger, the better—is exactly what needs to happen right now.

  I practically sprint into the place with smoke steaming from my ears. After storming through the doors, my steps falter. Rowen is waiting behind the host stand, looking deliciously handsome as always. My wild gaze scans the lobby but there’s not another person in sight. I’m on instant alert as my pulse takes off in a mad sprint.

  What the hell?

  Rowen breaks the silence. “Hey, Sweetheart.” A wide grin spreads his gorgeous mouth and my knees almost buckle because of the dazzling sight. He chuckles at the stunned look covering my face.

  “Thanks for coming to Brack’s Box. Do you want a table or are you ordering out?” He asks while making his way toward my frozen form stuck in the entryway. My heart swells as he uses some of the first words I said to him all those years ago. I’m still fumbling for the answers to what all this means when he stops directly in front of me. But then it suddenly clicks together.

  Is he going to . . .

  My tone wobbles as a lump forms in my throat. “What’s going on, Casper? Where is everyone?” Tears pool in my eyes when Rowen laces our hands together before pulling me closer.

  “Do you believe in destiny? What about soul mates?” He murmurs while his nose lightly brushes up my jaw.

  I manage to provide a breathy, “Yes,” while my legs threaten to fold under the weight of what’s happening.

  “I’m so happy to hear that because we’re going back to the beginning, Sweetheart. Right here, at this podium where we first met, so we can rewrite history. From this day forward, every memory will be bright and beautiful, exactly the way it should have been. Just like our future will always be.” He pauses and releases a heavy exhale. His blazing blue eyes beaming into my watery gaze.

  “You wanted me to ask you the right way, but here’s the thing, I’m not going to ask you, Vix. I won’t ever give you the chance to refuse, but I will always give you exactly what you want.” He takes a step back before getting down on one knee. My gasp is practically a scream as the tears start streaming down my cheeks in earnest.

  “Marry me, Sweetheart. Say you’ll truly be mine, forever and ever.”

  Rowen takes out a little velvet box and snaps it open. The sparking pink diamond almost blinds me as my heart stutters to a halt.

  This is the exact experience I’ve always wanted, and of course Rowen gives it to me.

  I’m nodding and holding out my trembling left hand while blindly wiping under my eyes with the other. That wicked sense of Déjà vu flashes through me like a high-voltage shock but this moment is brand new.

  As Rowen slides the stunning ring on my shaking finger, I carefully collapse against him until we’re in a heap on the floor. I’m showering kisses on every available piece of skin I find while whispering I do over and over again.

  He laughs before capturing my lips and delivering a mind-melting kiss. Somewhere in between he growls quietly, “I’m glad you’re already practicing for the wedding, Sweetheart.”

  Lark

  The following weekend . . .

  We rush down rows with flashing slot machines and spinning roulette wheels. The chandeliers are glittering overhead as we dash past groups of rowdy guys and scantily clad women. The chapel’s double doors beckon us from across the crowded hallway as we race toward our spontaneous nuptials.

  Well, let’s be honest. We were planning this swift ceremony the second that engagement ring slid onto my finger.

  Life is too short, right?

  We already know that and the tragic truth behind those simple words rang even louder after Rowen was attacked.

  Time is precious.

  Cherish every moment.

  Don’t waste a second.

  So, here we are. Diving into our future head first—together. Today we become husband and wife.

  “Are you sure about this? Your parents won’t be mad?” I question belatedly as we scroll our signatures on the provided certificate, the bandages covering our fresh tattoos scratch along the paper.

  Rowen chuckles before kissing my cheek. “Oh, they’ll be furious but it’s not their decision. I’m not waiting another minute for you to be my bride. The faster we can change your last name, the better.”

  I giggle against his scruffy jaw after giving him a noisy smooch; giddiness thrums through my body like an exotic beat.

  “You’re such a caveman and I effing love it.”

  “That’s because I’m your caveman, Sweetheart,” he murmurs along my lips.

  Rowen is everything to me. My restoration in hope and faith. My belief in destiny and chance. My reason for being. My soul mate. My very own Prince Charming. My fairy tale brought to life and my happily ever after.

  He’s my soon-to-be husband.

  The other half of my heart.

  Short vows are exchanged while platinum bands are slipped over knuckles. Memories we will never forget pass by in a blur of tears and dopey smiles reflecting our pure bliss.

  When the officiant announces, “You may now kiss your wife,” an electrifying tremor passes through our connected hands.

  Before my husband’s lips descend to mine, Rowen mutters, “About damn time.”

  I couldn’t agree more.

  That first wedded kiss locks us into eternity, although our spirits seem to have bonded long ago.

  We stumble out of the chapel clutching onto one another before being swallowed by the glitz and glam Vegas is known for. The fluorescent bulbs illuminating The Strip are extremely bright but my husband’s elated face is the only sight for me. Rowen always steals the show.

  “How about we get started on that fleet of lady-killer babies, Mrs. Sworr?” he seductively suggests before licking up my neck.

  If I was wearing panties under this skin-tight sheath of white silk, they’d be incinerated from that comment alone. I lift a snarky brow while lacing our fingers together, metal clinks softly but the slight sensation feels like thunder along my skin.

  “Lead the way, Mr. Sworr.”

  Looks like that meddling matchmaker really knew what he was doing after all.

  The End!

  Since becoming an author and publishing a novel, I’ve discovered that it truly takes a village . . . and my village continues to be mighty.

  First and foremost, I need to thank my amazing husband—my real life Prince Charming and the reason I believe in true love again. When I told him I wanted to start writing books, he was nothing but supportive. For the past several months he’s allowed me to binge on social media. He’s patient when I ignore him for hours on end while I’m stuck in “th
e zone”. Most importantly, he’s the greatest father our little boy could ask for. Thank you so much, Honey Bunches.

  My family didn’t know I was writing books until Redefining Us released. Their reassuring responses were epic and they’ve been nothing but supportive. My sister, Kirs, is the artist responsible for creating the beautiful drawing of Lark and Rowen’s tattoos. My brother-in-law helped me out with his medical knowledge. Even though my mom hasn’t finished my first book, she cheers me on and believes in me.

  Ace Gray needs a huge round of applause. Not only for editing my book but she also writes kick-ass novels. If you’ve never read her books, get on it. Ace is amazing and has become one of my closest friends. I am extremely thankful for everything she does, including showing me what words should never be used. Ever. You’re the greatest, Ladyface!

  My sister-from-another-mister, Chelle, has been my friend since elementary school and I’m very grateful for our friendship. Even when I’m stuck in a social media haze, she realizes how important this journey is for me. I’m so lucky to have her as my forever friend and don’t know what I would do without her. I love you, MMM!

  Talia from Talia’s Book Covers is outstanding. I randomly stumbled upon an image from her page and an instant connection was formed. I appreciate your talent and patience daily. You are a lifesaver and I’m sending you a huge hug! Thank you for creating a stunning cover, as well as countless teasers and banners, for Rowen and Lark’s story.

  Cindy, you’re an amazing person and I greatly appreciate all you do. Thank you for the daily messages that always make me smile!

  Lauren Blakely and Kahlen Aymes brought romance back to my life many years ago. Your words inspire me daily and I will always cherish your friendships.

  Ella James, you’re the one I go to first because our brains work in very similar ways. Thank you for always understanding and calming my panic.

  AM Hargrove is always ready with an answer to whatever question I whip up. She’s a sunny spot on the darkest days, especially when she tells me the latest Walter story.